Be still and listen. Be quiet and listen. The answer’s there. Just listen.
Once you’ve received your answer, it’s on you to accept it or not.♥️
Learning and growth is lifelong. It seems like every day I’m either learning something new or accepting what I have already known (growth).
I tend to talk to God a lot; however, I don’t always take time to listen. Or, I hear Him, don’t like the answer, and keep talking. Either way, He always provides answers.
Here’s what I’m learning:
If I listen the first, second or third time (yep.. I’m stubborn at times), I won’t have to keep repeating the same things.
Sometimes the answers will take me outside my comfort zone.I have to move while afraid, uncertain and uncomfortable.
God’s answers can contradict reason and logic.Yes, I’m learning to stop trying to make sense of things.
God will confirm His answers.I will say that nowadays He confirms them much faster than before, or not. Maybe the confirmation has always been there but I was not open to receiving the answer(s).
Going forward, my goal is to be intentional about listening, accepting and acting on God’s answers.
Yes.. After all you’ve been through, you are still standing. You survived!♥️
This year has taught me that I cannot keep running from the storms, the pain, the disappointments, the heartaches. No, I have to stand in them and through through them. Sometimes I feel like I’m getting too old for this. I’m too tired. Then, God reminds me that He’s strong when I’m weak. All I have to do is lean on Him. He’s brought me through before and He’ll do it again. BUT.. I have to go through it. Running from it only delays the breakthrough. It delays progress, which delays the dream.
I’m slowly learning that setbacks, or plot twists – as I call them because I definitely feel like I’m in a movie, a Tyler Perry movie – are designed to make me stronger. I know they are preparing me for something greater.
Yesterday, I experienced one of those “plot twists.” Not going to go into details. However, I will let you know I was on an all-time high where things just seemed to be falling in place, then.. BAM!, everything began to unravel as fast as they had happened. Although I was somewhat disappointed, I didn’t become upset. Instead, I remained calm as everything played out.
Y’all, I’m so thankful for my daughter (one of my gifts from God). I texted her while celebrating and she responded with, “Whatever you desire happens!” Because she’s witnessed God’s goodness over my life. Then, I texted her as things began to crumble. Her response, “It will work out how it needs to.” Y’all, it was the response I needed. Smiling. Proud mom moment.
So, yesterday, I decided not to be the problem solver that I always tend to be, and I allowed God to lead. I’m not going to lie, I wanted to make sense of everything that had happened and find a solution. But God asked me to release the reins and allow Him to lead. And I did.
My birthday theme for this year (Year 49) was Smooth Sailing. I said that I was going to sit back, relax and let the waves take me wherever they pleased. Guess what? I didn’t account for storms. As the storms roll in – and boy do they seem to be coming – out of habit, I want to sit up and take control of the ship. However, every time I get the urge do so, God reassures me that He’s got it all under control. All I have to do is sit back, relax and trust Him. As Bishop T. D. Jakes preached Sunday, I have to remain Steady in The Storm.
Thank you for reading today’s blog. I pray you’re also trusting God to guide you through your storms – because I know I can’t be the only one going through them. Smile.
Doubt is very LOUD! Sometimes it’s so loud that before we even ask, we’re doubting. If this is the case, why ask? Why waste time asking if we don’t believe?
If you truly want what you’re asking for – BELIEVE! Yes, doubt is loud but belief is more POWERFUL! Can’t you hear CeCe Winans singing, Believe For It? Smile. I can.♥️ ~ Shaun
Change is inevitable. Y’all, it’s going to happen. And even though God is omnipotent, it’s hard for Him to work if we are not willing to change. So instead of resisting it, embrace it!
Yesss… Embrace the change and watch God work!♥️ ~ Shaun
One of the EASIEST things to do is repeat past mistakes because of impatience. One of the HARDEST things to do is wait because nothing seems to be happening. Today, I encourage you to WAIT!♥️
Y’all, yesterday was one for the books! I was having an emotional breakdown (being very honest and transparent). I had reached my limit of frustration and everything I had been bottling up came pouring out. By yesterday evening, I had decided to bypass God and take matters into my own hands. Y’all, I’m so grateful for growth. For maturity. For a stronger relationship with God. Yesterday, I almost repeated the same exact mistake I made 20 years ago. Now, I’m crying (happy tears) because this time I recognized what I was doing and said NOT THIS TIME! Nah.. I’ve learned my lesson. It’s best to WAIT.
Y’all have a great day and thank you sooo much for allowing me to ramble.
It’s a little after 3:00 AM and since I’m up, I’ll write. I have so much on my mind. Isn’t it interesting how no matter how much you try to clear your thoughts, even through meditation, when you’re finished, everything comes rushing back. No matter how many inspirational videos I watch, messages I hear or pep talks I get, there’s always one or two things always nagging me. After writing that last sentence I heard, “Where is your faith?”. Interesting…
It’s interesting because there have been times in my life where my faith was so high that nothing around me bothered me. Then there have been times, like now, when my faith has been exhausted. Exhausted…
Y’all, I really need to get away. I’m not used to being so still. One thing I miss about life before COVID, is being able to travel freely and interacting with people. I’m not going to lie, the pandemic did a number on me and I have yet to recover. It’s like I don’t know how to jump back into the game.
Last night I was talking to a friend and she told me about odd jobs she’s taken on just to do something different outside of her full-time job. While we were talking, I considered doing the same. Then when I got off the phone, I was like, I love the flexibility of my life. I can’t even see myself tied to an 8-5 or any kind of rigid schedule. I like creating my own schedule. Funny thing is, when I did work 8-5, I created my own schedule. Had been for years. Outside of scheduled meetings, I was free to operate as I pleased. Looking back, I was pretty spoiled. Now, I can’t even imagine myself working like that again. (Shaking My Head)
Yeah.. times are weird. I thought I would have Nutrition with LaShaundreaB fully launched by now, but life happened. And every time I think about “life” happening, I think about if I was working like I had planned, I wouldn’t have been able to take time off to care for my parents.
Yeah.. life is interesting. I know this is only one small moment in time that my faith is low. I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later. I mean, I had been on an emotional high for over a year and a half. Maybe it was too high.. if that’s even a thing.
So.. where is my faith?
Umm… I think it’s time I go find it. The good part is, I don’t have to look far or find inspiration or encouragement from some outside source. I have tons of journal entries full of encouragement and acts of faith, love and blessings. I’m sooo grateful God made me who I am. Even though I hate being a loner at times, He’s made it so that I will always be able to make it even if I am alone. It’s times like this that I wish I had a boo to talk to. (Sigh) Again, life!
Thanks for reading another round of my early morning ramblings. Now, let me go read a few journal entries because I hate being in a funk.
Things will happen in life that will make you question whether pursuing your dreams, goals and purpose is even worth it. Guess what? It is! As long as you’re breathing, keep striving for the desires of your heart. DON’T GIVE UP!
Today, a few Facebook memories popped up that reminded me of my dreams, goals and purpose. I can’t give up. Yes, I’m tired. Like.. really tired. But I can’t give up. I have to see these things through.
One of the memories was of General Colin Powell’s passing. Oh how I wanted to meet him. I just knew I would. Same with Kofi Annan. I keep thinking that maybe if I was intentional about it, it could’ve happened. Life. Remembering Colin Powell🕊♥️ ~ Shaun
It’s Shaun’s World 
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